“Only Together Can We Face Dramatic Challenges,” His Beatitude Sviatoslav Thanked Austria and All of Europe in Vienna
On September 10, at the Archbishop’s Palace in Vienna, the Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, at a meeting of Eastern Catholic bishops of Europe along with representatives of the European Union and the Austrian government, emphasized that the war in Ukraine is a challenge for all of Europe, which on this very day faced aggression against Poland. EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner and Austrian Federal Minister Claudia Plakolm took part in the event.
The Primate expressed gratitude for the international solidarity that is saving the lives of Ukrainians, called for continued support, and noted Austria’s significant contribution to providing help to Ukrainian refugees.
“This is not just Ukraine’s war”
His Beatitude Sviatoslav began his speech with words of gratitude: “I would like to take this opportunity to speak on behalf of the Ukrainian people and express our gratitude, first and foremost to a united Europe.”
He recalled the nighttime attack of Russian drones on Polish territory and NATO counseling in this regard: “Today [September 10, 2025 — ed.] was a tragic day for the entire European Union… As we speak, in accordance with Article 4 of the NATO Treaty, representatives of various countries are meeting to decide on the course of action following last night’s open aggression against Poland.” According to him, the discussion of Article 4 after the attack on Poland and the historic “coalition of the willing” in Paris discussing security guarantees for Ukraine show that Europe realizes the importance of unity in the face of war.
The Head of the UGCC added: “Ukraine is enduring a war that is not Ukrainian, because all of Europe has been subjected to aggression, and this day confirms this very explicitly to the whole world. We are grateful to Europeans that at this moment you are rediscovering the value of European unity. Only together can we be strong and face these dramatic challenges.”
The humanitarian dimension of war
His Beatitude Sviatoslav called war “blasphemy and a crime against humanity,” which inevitably leads to a humanitarian crisis. At the same time, he noted that thanks to the solidarity of the international community, this crisis did not escalate into a catastrophe: “No Ukrainian has died of hunger or cold, and for this we are sincerely grateful to you.”
The Head of the Church called on everyone not to grow weary of helping Ukrainians: “The war continues, but humanitarian aid has sharply decreased. When the war had just erupted, many trucks were traveling to Ukraine, but now they are no longer coming. Therefore, I ask you: do not grow weary! Because solidarity truly saves lives.”
Gratitude to Austria and the Church
His Beatitude Sviatoslav particularly thanked Austria, which has accepted 85,000 Ukrainian refugees: “Today, the face of a Ukrainian refugee in Europe is most often a young woman with a child. You have accepted the best part of our society. Ukrainians have a special work ethic; they are Europeans. When they arrive in Austria, they first learn the language, then look for work. Only a third take advantage of your social programs, while two-thirds work and contribute to the common good of Austria.”
The Primate noted Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, Archbishop of Vienna, who is the ordinary for all Eastern Catholics in Austria and continues the tradition of supporting Ukraine, initiated by Cardinal Theodor Innitzer and Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky. “Your Eminence, in the presence of the civil authorities of Austria, I would like to express the gratitude of our and your faithful who live in Austria. You have become a good father to people of many nations and Churches,” said the Head of the UGCC, adding that during the war, Austria sent many ambulances and fire trucks to Ukraine, which saved lives.
250 years of Ukrainian integration into European society
His Beatitude Sviatoslav also mentioned the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Barbareum, a college for Greek Catholics in Vienna, which became a path for the integration of Ukrainians into the European cultural and educational community.
“The foundation of the renowned Barbareum by Maria Theresa was a tremendous revolution for Greek Catholics at that time,” said the Head of the Church. “From being a marginal phenomenon on the margins of the empire, we gained access to higher education and became participants and co-creators of European culture.”
“At that historic moment, when a new consciousness of modern nations was beginning to form, the graduates of the Barbarum, returning home, were defenders of the rights of their peoples. For the Ukrainian people, the Church was the only social institution. But it was this initiative to shape European culture that became a sign of our identity. We, Ukrainian Greek Catholics, were integrated into European society 250 years ago. Hence, we are not newcomers here, and this kinship of history, culture, and Christian life is so fruitful these days,” he noted.
“Ukraine is wounded, though unbreakable”
In conclusion, His Beatitude Sviatoslav accentuated the courage and sacrifice of Ukrainian soldiers: “Yes, Ukraine is wounded, though unbreakable. It is weary, though resilient. Our young men and women on the front lines are aware that they are protecting you, your peace, and your well-being with their own lives. Your peace is not a guarantee, because someone is paying for it with their own blood today.”
The Head of the UGCC called for prayers for the earliest possible end to the war and wished God’s blessing on Austria and Europe: “May the Lord bless Austria, which knows how to be a sign of unity in diversity. We hope that this war will end in the shortest possible time.”
The UGCC Department for Information
